Rick Wilson's journey in the world of professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft. Selected 66th overall, Wilson's career as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) spanned several teams and roles, both on the ice and behind the bench.
Wilson's playing career in the NHL started with the Montreal Canadiens, but he soon found himself traded to the St. Louis Blues. It was with the Blues that Wilson spent the majority of his playing days. Known for his defensive skills, he played a total of 239 games in the NHL, contributing 67 points through goals and assists. His time as a player also included stints with the Detroit Red Wings and the Los Angeles Kings, where he continued to demonstrate his abilities as a reliable defenseman.
After hanging up his skates, Wilson transitioned into coaching, a move that would define the next phase of his hockey career. He began as an assistant coach with the Prince Albert Raiders in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he honed his skills in player development and team strategy. His coaching acumen soon caught the attention of NHL teams, leading to his appointment as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders.
Wilson's coaching career in the NHL was extensive, serving as an assistant coach for several teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. His longest tenure was with the Dallas Stars, where he was part of the coaching staff that led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 1999. Wilson's expertise in defense was instrumental in shaping the Stars' formidable defensive lineup during their championship run.
In addition to his role as an assistant coach, Wilson also took on interim head coaching duties for the Dallas Stars during the 2001-2002 season. Although his time as head coach was brief, it demonstrated his ability to lead and manage a team at the highest level of professional hockey.
Throughout his coaching career, Wilson was respected for his strategic mind and ability to develop young talent. His influence extended beyond the NHL, as he also contributed to the development of players in the American Hockey League (AHL) and other minor leagues.
🏒